Sudden heavy rains a mixed blessing

Unexpected rains have pounded most parts of the North Rift and pastoralists are hoping that the conflict over water will reduce.

Turkana East district peace committee chairman Nicholas Ngikior said the rains had filled most water points.

Speaking to the Nation by phone, Mr Ngikior described the downpour as a godsend.

In Uasin Gishu, farmers want the meteorological department to issue a statement concerning the rain.

Led by Mr Julius Sirma from Moiben, they said they had planted short season maize when meteorologists issued a statement in October that there would be El Niño rains, which failed.

In Bungoma, heavy rains paralysed transport in many areas. Fares were increased and there were long waits for vehicles to various places.